The twin tyrants: anxiety and intrusive thoughts

Happy Friday!

A lot of us suffer from all types of anxiety, but lately I've notice that I've been working with clients who not only have anxiety but intrusive thoughts as well. They seem to come right when anxiety levels spike significantly. Intrusive thoughts can be quite bizarre, violent, sexual, or taboo in nature. Most everyone experiences intrusive thoughts, and can quickly let them go. But, when someone is under extreme anxiety, those intrusive thoughts can "stick" and start to "infect" the rest of your cognition, which can cause extreme duress and lead to negative attempts to cope, such as increased alcohol or substance abuse, isolation, depression and even thoughts of self harm or suicide.

This article from Psychology Today goes over the basics of anxiety / intrusive thoughts and treatment options .... really informative stuff! Take a look...